Hi,

I'm from Heiderlberg (Germany) and the reason why I posting this topic is:
I would like to know - which is the biggest rim size you can put on a '97 Dakota (without a lift) ?

I know that you can put 20"s on a Dak... but do you think that 21"s or 22"s would fit? I've seen a Ram around here with 22"s but they look bigger than my current 305 x 10,5 R15 wheels.

 

When I bought my 2000 Dakota, it had been fitted with 22" rims. I prefere the standard look so I put the original rims back on. As they went straight on, I assume that there hadn't been any modifications to fit the 22's. The tyres on the 22" rims were 265/35 Pirelli Scorpin Zeros which I was told were too small, should have been 305/35. I don't know if this was a mistake by the privious owner or if was necessary to make them fit.
I hope this helps.

Regards,

Paul

 

Big thanks to you, DakinUK !

So, now I know what I might can pull on my truck If the German 'Technical Inspection Agency' agrees with the size of the rims.[8D]

But I'm still interested in the way of riding on 22"s? Do you feel every road hole or would it be still be a pleasure to ride smoothly in your Dakota!

 

On the 22's the ride was of course harder but not as bad as I expected. It handeled like it was on rails! I was still getting used to the car so wasn't pushing it too hard but I NEVER got the tyres to let go, no matter how hard I tried. Back on standard rims and tyres, it's smoother but more importantly for me, quieter and the grip is still pretty impressive for such a big vehicle. I treat it as a truck, not a sports car so I'm happier with it now. Good luck with the TUV!

 

I would avoid anything over 20" myself. Anything larger and you don't have enough sidewall to take up the force of a bump. Also with a 3" body lift, i've seen 22.5" industrial bus (large passanger bus) rims on a quad cab Ram (not many more mods neded for a dakota).

 

Not to mention it looks like a stupid cartoon, but hey, it's your truck. I'm not even a fan of 20's on full size rigs, but I'm more into using a truck as a truck, rather than trying to be a balla.

 

I've got an '01 2500 QC...rides with 16" rims currently. Can I put 17" rims right on or do I have to change anything...

TX

 

One more item for those in the know....
How can I increase my HEMI HP and get more gas mileage along the way...
I put the K&N on there today, Flowmasters...what can I do to really tweek this puppy!

 

You will probably want to change the tires, your truck would look a little funny on just rims. j/k

The best thing to do would be choose a 17" tire that closely matches the same height of your 16" tires...

 

Because they look this good!

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